Savers have been hit in recent years with low interest rates as banks and building societies fail to match tax-free Isa rates to standard accounts.

To those injuries was added the insult of the Funding for Lending scheme that pushed cheap cash through banks and building societies to borrowers and removed the incentive to offer decent savings rates.

This is now closed for lenders looking to gain more funds by increasing mortgage lending, but with plenty left in their pots they have little incentive to offer good rates.

But low rates just make it even more important to shelter your interest from the taxman, which is what a cash Isa does.

HOW WE PICK OUR FAVOURITE FIVE ISAS

Lee Boyce: This is Money's savings expert

Our five favourite Isas round-up is a permanent feature of This is Money.

It comes complete with an explanation detailing why we're happy to pick each account.

This page will be kept updated as and when new deals pop up or old ones get scrapped.

Our team work tirelessly to stay on top of the latest rate changes, but banks and building societies can pull deals without telling us.

If you spot a deal here that is not longer available please email us at editor@thisismoney.co.uk

Remember, you can open an Isa or transfer (provided you're not tied to a fixed-term) at any time during the year.

Note that we don't just copy the best rates from the savings tables - we scour the market for all-around winners.

- This is Money says: This easy-access rate accepts transfers in and is currently the best rate for an easy-access cash Isa. It comes with a 0.65 per cent bonus which drops off after 18 months, so it is important to move your tax-free cash before it tumbles.

- This is Money says: This account offers tax-free savers the highest current available rate for two years and accepts transfers in. The pair are owned by National Australia Bank so share the same banking licence. This deal pays the same as the top three-year deal, offered by the Post Office.

- This is Money says: This National Savings and Investment Isa creeps into our best buy table by default. Rates have been plunging this year and despite a rate cut by NS&I earlier in the year, it is now the top easy-access rate you can open tax-free and without a bonus that drops off.

- This is Money says: This account offers tax-free savers an alternative to the Clydesdale and Yorkshire one above, but at 0.15 percentage points lower. It does, however, require a smaller opening balance.